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How to Install Linux on Your PC

Are you fed up with Windows, or Mac OSX and just think they just suck? If you are thinking about switching to Linux, or running it alongside with Windows, you came to the right place! Some may be nervous about stepping into the arctic filled waters with computer users who hail the mighty tux. Switching may be challenging, but some may be nervous about the new UI, or installing it.

Step 1: Getting Things Straight!

Before you do anything, you need to choose a distro (distribution) of Linux, which is basically a version of Linux. There are many out on the internet. Popular Choices includes Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Backtrack, and Mint Linux. Think of the distros as custom versions of Linux that people make by modifying the source code from the Linux git repo. My personal favorite is Ubuntu, which is the most used Linux Distribution out. Some may say that it might monitor your search results, but i would not care, as i am not the person who does very illegal stuff, or crimes. If you like cracking into other people's wifi, i would recommend Backtrack or Kali, as it is mostly used for network procedures. So think of the distro you want, and search it up on google, and go to their download page. If i were you, i would follow some additional tutorials on how to install your prefered Linux Distro.

Step 2: Choosing What Version You Need

Ok! So, you chose what Distro you want! Now, when you get to the download page, you get prompted to choose either x86 (32-bit), or x64 (64-Bit). If you know if your processor supports x64 or x86, choose for yourself. but if you are unsure, if you run Windows, go to thee start menu, click run, and in the run type box, type "dxdiag". Once the dxdiag window is open, read the operating system field, and see if it is 32 or 64 bit. if it is 32-bit you choose x86 or 32bit for your download. If it is x64, download the x64 or 64 bit version.

After you are done downloading, you have a iso file (a disk image). You need to download the Universal USB installer, if you plan on saving the Distro to your flashdrive (visit www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3). If you want to burn the Linux Distro, get imgburn if you have windows, and burn the disk image to the disk (visit www.imgburn.com). You will probably need a 4.7GB DVD-R, or a 4-8GB Flashdrive. Also, if you plan on using a flashdrive you allready own, backup your data, as you will need to format your flashdrive.

Step 3: Booting Into Linux

Next, to boot into Linux so you can install or try, you need to reboot your computer. When you get to the very first screen with the manufacturer logo, you need to press the key you need to go to get to the boot options menu. When you get to the boot options, select DVD/CD Boot, or USB Boot. When you get into Linux, you are on your own. Follow a tutorial on how to install your wanted Linux Distro. I've used my resources- The internet, and other people. You can utilize the resources, and knowledge is power. School doesn't properly utilize the youth's minds, and experience leads to knowledge.

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3 Discussions

I still use 32 bit Linux for compatibility with some closed source software I run. Even though all of my CPUs are 64 bit today. I've had severe problems with 32 bit compatibility using 64 bit. Other than that 64 bit offers no unique compelling feature for me that I do not already have with 32 bit.

Beyond that I would just like to add that new Linux users should use the most obtuse Linux distribution possible in order to maximize their learning experience. I suggest either Arch, or Gentoo. By the time they've figured out how to get either of those to work they'll be at a solid intermediate level as far as Linux skills go. DPKG based distributions offer much less of a challenge so consequently there is far less opportunity to actually learn anything by using them. The same can be said for RPM based distributions as well.